Comments on: Spurgeon on Extemporaneous Preaching — Are You Kidding Me? http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/ Recovering the Centrality of Expositional Preaching in Christian Worship Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:14:45 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Chris Putman http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-183 Chris Putman Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:14:45 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-183 Hi , I have been doing this extemporaneous preaching/speaking in short bits(about 10 minute messages) for about three years now.I never knew there was such a thing until I stumbled across it while reading the memoirs of Charles Finney. I was really surprised and excited to find that what I have been doing is an actual method of preaching used by very succesfull preachers. I'm not yet trained for ministry, but am applying to begin my education next year. I have been speaking each week at our midweek evening at church and have been a member of a local toastmasters club.I find that for me the extemporaneuos method of speaking is most natural,has most impact on the audience and is the most exciting way to present a message. I have an absolute blast with it and people enjoy watching me fly when I do.I find it more difficult to create and use notes and such.I think of course that how you preach is , or at least should flow from how you are naturally and spiritually gifted(how you're wired to work). Chris Putman Hi , I have been doing this extemporaneous preaching/speaking in short bits(about 10 minute messages) for about three years now.I never knew there was such a thing until I stumbled across it while reading the memoirs of Charles Finney. I was really surprised and excited to find that what I have been doing is an actual method of preaching used by very succesfull preachers. I’m not yet trained for ministry, but am applying to begin my education next year. I have been speaking each week at our midweek evening at church and have been a member of a local toastmasters club.I find that for me the extemporaneuos method of speaking is most natural,has most impact on the audience and is the most exciting way to present a message. I have an absolute blast with it and people enjoy watching me fly when I do.I find it more difficult to create and use notes and such.I think of course that how you preach is , or at least should flow from how you are naturally and spiritually gifted(how you’re wired to work).
Chris Putman

]]> By: brandon sidle http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-182 brandon sidle Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:13:45 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-182 WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read this, and automatically I felt conviction within my heart about the importance of ministers to take the charge seriously that Paul gave Timothy in 2nd Timothy 4:1-5. I know that I can, and most definitely should be spending more time fellowshipping with God in prayer and His Word. There are most likely going to be more "impromptu" times in our experiences that if we are ready can be the most powerful moments for the spreading of the gospel. I confess to all who would read this that I watch too much t.v., I procrastinate on a daily basis, and many other things that keep me from being the tool I can be in the hand of God. Would someone be willing to pray for me and all of God's people who are a "chosen race, a royal preisthood, a holy nation, a people of His own possesion that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 peter 2:9) And also the call of the minster, or preacher, evangelist, pastor teacher. Great article, great job posting it and thank you. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read this, and automatically I felt conviction within my heart about the importance of ministers to take the charge seriously that Paul gave Timothy in 2nd Timothy 4:1-5. I know that I can, and most definitely should be spending more time fellowshipping with God in prayer and His Word. There are most likely going to be more “impromptu” times in our experiences that if we are ready can be the most powerful moments for the spreading of the gospel. I confess to all who would read this that I watch too much t.v., I procrastinate on a daily basis, and many other things that keep me from being the tool I can be in the hand of God. Would someone be willing to pray for me and all of God’s people who are a “chosen race, a royal preisthood, a holy nation, a people of His own possesion that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 peter 2:9) And also the call of the minster, or preacher, evangelist, pastor teacher. Great article, great job posting it and thank you.

]]> By: Bobby Gore http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-172 Bobby Gore Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:08:11 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-172 I've just read the book "Preaching on Your Feet" by Fred R. Lybrand. This guy has really done his research on this topic. Great read. I highly recommend. I’ve just read the book “Preaching on Your Feet” by Fred R. Lybrand. This guy has really done his research on this topic. Great read. I highly recommend.

]]> By: Should Preachers Read Outside Their Worldview? « Expositionalogistix http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-67 Should Preachers Read Outside Their Worldview? « Expositionalogistix Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:30:47 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-67 [...] mentioned in an earlier post that “Preachers should be the most well-read individuals on the planet.”   I am [...] [...] mentioned in an earlier post that “Preachers should be the most well-read individuals on the planet.”   I am [...]

]]> By: Stephen Georgeson http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-59 Stephen Georgeson Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:39:14 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-59 I was called to the pastoral ministry three years ago. When I first began to preach, I was connected to my sermon manuscript and would hold onto it for dear life! That lasted for about a year and a half. Then I began hearing and reading that preacher's should just have a few notes and not read from a manuscript. I got some comfort from reading about Jonathan Edwards who read his sermons from a manuscript word-for-word! But I'm no Jonathan Edwards! In October 2006, I started outlining my sermon and using a few cue cards, and preaching from them. Now, I'm on the other extreme, and simply write a few notes in the margin of my Bible. I wouldn't call it extemporaneous, however. I find that the more I understand the context (exegesis) of the text, the more comfortable I am speaking without notes. I hope that the Lord reveals what text I should preach early in the week, but in any case, I wrestle with the text. I reflect on it and meditate on it throughout the days; while I'm on my elliptical machine, while I'm driving, while I'm praying. I research the original language, the commentaries and other sermons. Then when Sunday comes, I feel confident to speak with authority (the Scripture's authority, not my own). Is it extemporaneous? Probably not. But great amount of preparation, and few if any notes. I've gone from one extreme to the other in two years. Hopefully I'll find the happy medium in the years to come. I was called to the pastoral ministry three years ago. When I first began to preach, I was connected to my sermon manuscript and would hold onto it for dear life! That lasted for about a year and a half. Then I began hearing and reading that preacher’s should just have a few notes and not read from a manuscript. I got some comfort from reading about Jonathan Edwards who read his sermons from a manuscript word-for-word! But I’m no Jonathan Edwards! In October 2006, I started outlining my sermon and using a few cue cards, and preaching from them. Now, I’m on the other extreme, and simply write a few notes in the margin of my Bible. I wouldn’t call it extemporaneous, however. I find that the more I understand the context (exegesis) of the text, the more comfortable I am speaking without notes. I hope that the Lord reveals what text I should preach early in the week, but in any case, I wrestle with the text. I reflect on it and meditate on it throughout the days; while I’m on my elliptical machine, while I’m driving, while I’m praying. I research the original language, the commentaries and other sermons. Then when Sunday comes, I feel confident to speak with authority (the Scripture’s authority, not my own). Is it extemporaneous? Probably not. But great amount of preparation, and few if any notes. I’ve gone from one extreme to the other in two years. Hopefully I’ll find the happy medium in the years to come.

]]> By: Best read? « Taking every thought captive http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-57 Best read? « Taking every thought captive Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:36:59 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-57 [...] Sunday, 17 February 2008 preaching , reading Matthew Perry has an interesting posting on Spurgeon and extemporaneous preaching, where among other things he says, “Preachers should be the most well-read individuals on the [...] [...] Sunday, 17 February 2008 preaching , reading Matthew Perry has an interesting posting on Spurgeon and extemporaneous preaching, where among other things he says, “Preachers should be the most well-read individuals on the [...]

]]> By: David "the preacher" Wilson http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-50 David "the preacher" Wilson Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:41:16 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-50 First, As a long time Southern Baptist pastor I have used both expositional and topical preaching methods. However, nothing suits me better and keeps me on track stronger than preaching through a book of the Bible and showing its context and repetitive themes. I am now using this in most of my preaching and teaching. In regards to Spurgeon's thoughts- I have to put myself firmly on the fence. One one hand- I believe God honors us when we are prepared-- but Mr. Spurgeon seems to suggest a LIFE of preparation. Obviously, if you immerse yourself in the study of God's Word continually you should always be prepared to speak regarding that which you are learning from God's Word. On the other hand, the quote suggested that Mr. Spurgeon saved that type of speaking/teaching/ preaching for ONE particular meeting per week. (Monday nights, if I read it properly.) If this was his practice, the people knew that he was seeking to speak from his heart rather than his notes and therefore it was just ONE part of his ministry. I believe that there is a place for both types of speaking. However, the danger is that preachers will be lax in their time alone with the Lord and in preparation of sermons because they believe that they can speak on the spur of the moment. There is a niche for that sort of preaching, but it should not dominate the pulpits. We must get back to preaching through books of the Bible so that we can show the context of popular verses. I had a young preacher one time tell me that he the Bible commanded us not to despise his youth. I knew of the Scripture he was using and finally went back to its context. The next time I heard him say that he resented the fact that someone was "looking down" on him because of his youth and inexperience I opened the Word and showed him that the Apostle Paul wasn't commanding those that Timothy was ministering to, but commanding Timothy to live such a life of love, commitment, purity, etc. that those he ministered to would have to respect him, despite his youth. The young man was shocked to find that in its context the verse didn't provide him extra support when people disagreed with him. When we preach the Word in its context, people learn and grow. When we topical preach and use verses out of their proper context we create misunderstanding and error. David "the preacher" Wilson abimilech@ca.rr.com Pastor - Grant Avenue Baptist Church, Redondo Beach, California First,

As a long time Southern Baptist pastor I have used both expositional and topical preaching methods. However, nothing suits me better and keeps me on track stronger than preaching through a book of the Bible and showing its context and repetitive themes. I am now using this in most of my preaching and teaching.

In regards to Spurgeon’s thoughts- I have to put myself firmly on the fence.

One one hand- I believe God honors us when we are prepared– but Mr. Spurgeon seems to suggest a LIFE of preparation. Obviously, if you immerse yourself in the study of God’s Word continually you should always be prepared to speak regarding that which you are learning from God’s Word.

On the other hand, the quote suggested that Mr. Spurgeon saved that type of speaking/teaching/ preaching for ONE particular meeting per week. (Monday nights, if I read it properly.) If this was his practice, the people knew that he was seeking to speak from his heart rather than his notes and therefore it was just ONE part of his ministry.

I believe that there is a place for both types of speaking. However, the danger is that preachers will be lax in their time alone with the Lord and in preparation of sermons because they believe that they can speak on the spur of the moment. There is a niche for that sort of preaching, but it should not dominate the pulpits.

We must get back to preaching through books of the Bible so that we can show the context of popular verses.

I had a young preacher one time tell me that he the Bible commanded us not to despise his youth. I knew of the Scripture he was using and finally went back to its context. The next time I heard him say that he resented the fact that someone was “looking down” on him because of his youth and inexperience I opened the Word and showed him that the Apostle Paul wasn’t commanding those that Timothy was ministering to, but commanding Timothy to live such a life of love, commitment, purity, etc. that those he ministered to would have to respect him, despite his youth. The young man was shocked to find that in its context the verse didn’t provide him extra support when people disagreed with him.

When we preach the Word in its context, people learn and grow. When we topical preach and use verses out of their proper context we create misunderstanding and error.

David “the preacher” Wilson
abimilech@ca.rr.com
Pastor – Grant Avenue Baptist Church, Redondo Beach, California

]]> By: Cal H http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-45 Cal H Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:32:20 +0000 http://expositionalogistix.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/spurgeon-on-extemporaneous-preaching-are-you-kidding-me/#comment-45 Last Sunday we had a guest missionary speaker from Mexico. I had met him at a church event Saturday night, so I knew he was in town. I had not yet seen him, however, when the service began. None of our Cross-Cultural missions team seemed concerned, but the longer the service went on, the more uneasy I became. For the first part of worship, I admit I didn't worship much. I sang the words, but my eyes were scanning the sanctuary. (We have a fan-shaped sanctuary so it is easy with a turn of the head to see 85@ of the seats.) My thoughts went directly to the last question. If I *had* to speak extemporaneously, could I? When I was in Toastmasters (do they have Toastmaster clubs in the UK?) extemporaneous speaking was always my weak suit. As we approached the Lord's Supper, I knew that the sermon was only 5-7 minutes away! Should/could I run and pull something out of my office? Should/could I speak extemporaneously? I turned to leave the auditorium to see what I could find, and there he was, sitting two rows behind me! He had been there all along! I didn't have to do it, but the question remains on the table...if I *had* to preach extemporaneously, could I? I am not so sure. Thanks for the post and the encouragement it brings to focus on ALWAYS being prepared to do that. Last Sunday we had a guest missionary speaker from Mexico. I had met him at a church event Saturday night, so I knew he was in town. I had not yet seen him, however, when the service began. None of our Cross-Cultural missions team seemed concerned, but the longer the service went on, the more uneasy I became. For the first part of worship, I admit I didn’t worship much. I sang the words, but my eyes were scanning the sanctuary. (We have a fan-shaped sanctuary so it is easy with a turn of the head to see 85@ of the seats.) My thoughts went directly to the last question. If I *had* to speak extemporaneously, could I? When I was in Toastmasters (do they have Toastmaster clubs in the UK?) extemporaneous speaking was always my weak suit. As we approached the Lord’s Supper, I knew that the sermon was only 5-7 minutes away! Should/could I run and pull something out of my office? Should/could I speak extemporaneously? I turned to leave the auditorium to see what I could find, and there he was, sitting two rows behind me! He had been there all along!

I didn’t have to do it, but the question remains on the table…if I *had* to preach extemporaneously, could I? I am not so sure. Thanks for the post and the encouragement it brings to focus on ALWAYS being prepared to do that.

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